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The Smile Saver

Shoptalk is a weekly feature that spotlights Gambit Weekly advertisers.

Technology, fluoride, education and modern products
have made it easier to keep your teeth clean at home, but local dentist Dr.
W. Ken Morgan (3100 Kingman St., Suite 100, Metairie, 780-7006) says you still
need to see your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups to take care of the
problems such cleaning doesn't address.

"[Regular visits to the dentist] are very
important," Morgan says. "We have to remove plaque and tartar that builds up
on your teeth. Brushing and flossing and using Listerine mouthwash are important
and help, but you just don't get all that stuff.

"If we can see people on a regular basis,
we can take X-rays and thoroughly examine the teeth and keep an eye on little
cavities and any developing gum problems. Gum problems you can't always see."
Cavities that aren't visible and gum problems can be affected by aging, medications
and other situations.

"We try to emphasize prevention," the dentist
says. "We try to educate people and facilitate preventive techniques, but sometimes
you get people ... who are past prevention and need intervention. Sometimes
you get people in who really haven't been to the dentist in a long time and
they really need a lot of work."

Morgan, who bought the practice from a retiring
dentist two years ago, says he's still accepting patients at his casual, tasteful
office. His best advice: "Come in regularly and take care of things early. If
they don't, things progress and we have to play catch-up." In addition to cleaning
habits, oral health also can be affected by medications that cause dry mouth,
fluoridation or lack of it, diet (especially if it's rich in sugar), natural
aging and other things.

It's a Guy ThingGrooms are, perhaps, the most over-looked
person in a bridal party, especially compared to events, information and resources
targeted at brides. Weddings With Style magazine is doing something to
change that with the presentation of It's His Wedding, Too, Groom & Bridal
Showcase from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 19 at Money Hill Country Club (100 Country
Club Drive, Abita Springs).

The showcase will feature demonstrations as
well as exhibits of goods and services associated with the groom's role in the
wedding. It also will feature the latest in bridal fashions available at local
shops, including tuxedos and accessories from designers such as Ralph Lauren,
Perry Ellis, Oscar de la Renta, Pierre Cardin, Givenchy and others. Other exhibitors
include hair styling salons, travel agencies, limousine providers, music services
and photography studios. Wellness services also will be available, such as cholesterol
screenings, blood pressure readings and information about prostate cancer.

In addition, attendees can watch the Saints
and Falcons game on a big-screen TV and participate in a putting contest for
men and women during halftime. Hors d'oeuvres and champagne will be served.

Admission is $6 in advance and $10 at the
door, with part of the proceeds benefiting Special Children are Privileged,
a group that helps obtain medical equipment and supplies for children who need
them. For more information, call 525- 2743.

Model CitizensYou don't have to be skinny as a rail to be a model, as participants
of the Simply Couture model search and workshop for plus-size models
will show. The model search begins at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, at the Radisson
Hotel (1500 Canal St.) and is an open call for models ages 14 to 30 to participate
in Simply Couture Fashion Extravaganza Nov. 22 in Baton Rouge. The workshop
follows at 7 p.m., with Miss Plus America and other celebrities discussing such
topics as finding an agent, selecting a photographer, makeup tips, marketing
information and more. Call 467-7939 for more information, or log onto www.simplycouture.com.

Helping HandsJust in time for holiday shopping and mailing duties, local businessmen
Mark and Curtis Monson opened The UPS Store (201 St. Charles Ave., 523-3293).
Not only does the store offer a variety of products and services to make it
easier to package and mail items, it also provides mailbox and postal services,
black-and-white and color copying, document finishing and more. It's open weekdays
from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.

The Monson's store, which opened last month,
is the newest of six UPS franchises in the south shore metro area and two on
the Northshore.

click to enlarge

Dr. W. Ken Morgan with tools of his trade in his Metairie dental office.